Derrick Rose advises Oklahoma City Thunder star

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has given Oklahoma City Thunder rival Russell Westbrook some advice in his recovery from injury.

The 25-year-old spent the entire year on the sidelines last season as he recovered from surgery to repair a torn ACL, and while Westbrook’s injury isn’t as serious it has forced him into rehabilitation over the last few months.

The Thunder point guard participated in some drills earlier this week but is far off game fitness and will likely have to sit out the first month of the season or so.

However, Rose has reiterated the importance of not rushing back and taking time to assess the situation and returning when Westbrook himself is ready.

“Take his time,” Rose said after Wednesday night’s win over the Thunder according to ESPN.

“He’s the only one that knows his body. There’s no need to force anything. And attack every day of rehab like it’s your last day. Get everything you [can] get out of it every day.”

Rose received a great deal of criticism in the post-season last year, after receiving medical clearance and featuring in pre-game warm-ups he opted against making his comeback last year.

While he cited the mental aspects of the recovery as the reason why he decided to take out a full year, he has shown in pre-season that it was perhaps the right decision.

The Bulls star has been in impressive form in the build-up to the new season, and insists that he is an all-round better player than before the injury, and therefore Westbrook should follow his lead and come back when he feels ready.